News Release

News Release

SIU Confirms Investigation Related to Man’s Death in Hamilton

Case Number: 18-OOD-130   

Other News Releases Related to Case 18-OOD-130

No Grounds to Lay Charges in Relation to Death of Man in Hamilton

Mississauga, ON (24 August, 2018) ---
The province’s Special Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 19-year-old Yosif Al-Hasnawi in Hamilton in December of 2017.

On the night of December 2, 2017, Mr. Al-Hasnawi was on Sanford Avenue North when he was shot by another individual. Mr. Al-Hasnawi was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Given allegations in the media at the time regarding the actions of first responders at the scene, including police, the SIU began making preliminary inquiries to assess whether there was a basis to invoke the Unit’s jurisdiction. Based on the results of those preliminary inquiries, which included medical evidence, the SIU can confirm that it is investigating the role of one Hamilton Police Service officer in relation to this incident. Additionally, two witness officers have been designated.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529. The Unit is also urging anyone who may have any video evidence related to this incident to upload that video through the SIU website.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations

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